## Facial Nerve Course Through Parotid Gland **Key Point:** The facial nerve (CN VII) enters the parotid gland at its posteromedial border, passes through the gland substance, and divides into its five terminal branches (temporal, zygomatic, buccal, marginal mandibular, and cervical) before exiting anteriorly. ### Anatomical Relations **High-Yield:** The facial nerve is the most important neurovascular structure within the parotid gland. It divides the gland into superficial and deep lobes. | Structure | Relationship to Parotid | | --- | --- | | Facial nerve | Passes through gland; divides into 5 branches | | External carotid artery | Lies deep to facial nerve | | Retromandibular vein | Formed behind parotid | | Auricular nerve | Sensory branch of vagus | ### Clinical Significance **Clinical Pearl:** Parotid surgery (parotidectomy) requires careful identification and preservation of the facial nerve to avoid facial paralysis. The nerve is identified by landmarks such as the tragal pointer and posterior belly of digastric muscle. **Mnemonic:** **TZBC** — Temporal, Zygomatic, Buccal, Cervical (marginal Mandibular is the 5th branch, often remembered as the most vulnerable to injury). **Warning:** The marginal mandibular branch is the most superficial and vulnerable branch during superficial parotidectomy, making it prone to iatrogenic injury. 
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